Get free music on your iPhone

The music on your iPhone doesn't have to be limited to what you download from iTunes. Try some free apps, or take advantage of special offers to collect some free music.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: From iTunes

Step #1. Open the iTunes app

Turn on your iPhone and go to the home screen. From the home screen, look for the "iTunes Store" app. Tap it to open the app.

Step 2. Tap the "Music" button at the bottom of the screen

This button is the first on the bottom bar. The app usually opens right on that page. If it opens on another page, tap "Music" to reach the correct page.

The other options you can see in the bar are "Movies", "Search", "Audiobooks" and "More"

Step 3. Tap on the "Single of the Week"

Use your finger to scroll down the page until you come across a button indicating the "Single of the Week". Tap this button once to open the page for that single.

The words "Single of the Week" can be very small; the word "Free" is even smaller.
The single of the week is always free and, as the name suggests, a new free single is released every week. You can repeat this process every week to fill your library with free songs.

Step 4. Tap the "Free" button to download the song

When you have opened the information page for the single, you will see a button that allows you to download the single for free (or for a certain amount). Tap the "Free" button once to download the single.

You may be asked to enter your Apple ID.
If you are logged in, the download should start automatically. The song will appear in your iPhone's music library when the download is complete.

Method 2 of 4: Using free music apps

Step 1. Go to the App Store on your iPhone

Turn on the iPhone and go to the home screen. Find the App Store. Tap it once to open the app.

Step #2. Look for an app that can download music for free

At the bottom of the App Store screen you will find the "Search" button. Tap this once to open the search page, and find an app that allows you to download music for free.

The other buttons in the bar are "Featured", "Charts", "Discover", "Search", and "Updates".
You can search for an app by entering a search term such as "free music downloads". Or you can choose to enter the name of an app.
Some of the apps that offer free music downloads are:
- SoundCloud: This allows artists and bands to publish their own work and make it available for download.
- iCompositions: This is a community for users of Apple's GarageBand program. These users want to share and improve their work.
- MacJams Player: This is another community for musicians who work with Apple's GarageBand program.
- Free Music Download Pro: This app allows you to browse and download free music. You can also create playlists and listen to music from within the app.
- iDownloader Pro: This app allows you to download, play and share music with others.
- Free Music Download Plus: This app allows you to download free songs, and also provides the user with the lyrics.
- Free Music Download Player Pro: Allows you to browse songs, extract albums in the app, and share songs between your iPhone and your computer.
- Download Music Pro: allows you to download music, create playlists, shuffle songs and mix tracks.

Step 3. Tap the "Free" button to download the app

Once you've chosen an app, you can click the "Free" button next to the app's title.

You will be asked for your Apple ID.
Once you've signed up, the app should download automatically. You don't have to do anything further for this.
Some apps that offer free downloads are not free themselves. If you see an amount next to the name of the app, and not the word "Free", then you will have to pay for the app. The music that you then download via the app is free.

Step 4. Open the new app from your home screen

Return to your iPhone's home screen. Tap the icon of your recently downloaded app to open it.

Step 5. Log in or sign up

Most of these apps require you to create an account with them. Creating an account is usually free. If you haven't signed up with this app before, you can create new credentials or choose to sign in with Facebook. This way you link your Facebook account to the app, and you can log in automatically.

When you see the terms and conditions, read them carefully. This way you know exactly which rules you have to adhere to

Step 6. Search for songs and artists

This process is different for each app, but in most cases there will be a search function somewhere on the screen. Tap this button to search for songs, artists, or genres.

Many apps also allow you to browse artists, genres, and similar categories. Also, some apps have a "Featured" section with recommended music

Step 7. Download free songs according to the instructions

This process is also different per app. You can usually listen to a preview by tapping the song once. There will usually be a separate download button that you can press to download the song to your iPhone library.

Pay close attention and make sure that the download is free. Some apps mix free downloads with paid downloads. So pay close attention to avoid unexpected costs

Method 3 of 4: Transfer downloads from your computer and use sound editing programs

Step 1. Put the music on your computer

There are several ways to put music on your computer for free. For example, you can 'rip' (import) borrowed CDs or download free online songs.

Rip music from a CD. Rip a CD from your own collection, or borrow one from a friend. Rip your CD with a program like Windows Media Player. Look for a button that allows you to "Rip" or "Import" the contents of the CD to your computer.
Also, there are a variety of free, legal websites that you can use to collect free music.
MacJams (http://www.macjams.com/) and iCompositions (http://www.icompositions.com/) are two websites that allow you to download songs by aspiring musicians using Apple's GarageBand program.
3hive (http://3hive.com/) is a website that reviews songs and offers free, legal downloads.
Myxer (http://www.myxer.com/iphone/) is a website that offers free MP3s, ringtones and more for your iPhone.

Step 2. Download a sound editing program

Once you've transferred the music to your computer, you'll need to determine if your iPhone can play the music. If the file format is MP3 or AAC, then your iPhone can play it. If the file format is different, you'll probably need to convert the file to an iPhone-compatible file format before you can proceed.

Some well-known sound editing programs are:
- Audioro (http://audioro.com/converter/iphone/)
- Free Convert Audio to iPhone iPod Music Converter (http://download.cnet.com/Free-Convert-Audio-to-iPhone-iPod-Music-Converter/3000-2140_4-10909675.html)
- Syncios (http://www.syncios.com/ipod-audio-converter.html)

Step 3. Convert the audio to a file format suitable for iTunes

Once you have downloaded the necessary software, follow the instructions to convert your audio file to a file format that your iPhone can play.

The instructions vary by brand, so you should consider each case individually. There are no general instructions that apply to all files

Step 4. Download the iTunes software to your computer

If you don't have iTunes yet, you can visit the iTunes website and download the program.

Here's the download:
You may need to sign in with your Apple ID or email address to download the program.

Step 5. Add the new songs to your iTunes library

Open the iTunes program, and select "Add to Library" or "Add File to Library" from the "File" menu. Find and select the music you want to add to iTunes.

If you keep all your new music in one folder, you can also choose to add this entire folder instead of each file separately

Step 6. Connect your iPhone to your computer

Use the USB cable that came with your iPhone.

If you have iTunes open on your computer, it will recognize your iPhone automatically.

Step 7. Transfer the songs on your computer to your phone

Select your iPhone from the "Devices" menu. Tap the "Music" tab and check the box next to "Sync Music".

You can sync your entire library, but you can also choose to select specific playlists.
Let the syncing process complete before disconnecting the iPhone.
Once the process is complete and your iPhone is disconnected, you're done.

Method 4 of 4: Streaming radio

Step 1. Open the App Store on your iPhone

Turn on your iPhone and go to your home screen. Find the App Store and tap the icon to open the app.

Step #2. Tap on the search button

At the bottom of the screen you will find a button labeled "Search". Tap this button once to open the search page and search for free apps that stream radio.

The other buttons in the bar are "Featured", "Charts", "Discover" and "Updates"

Step #3. Look for an app that streams radio

You can search for any app with a search term like "streaming radio" or you can search by name.

Some of the free radio apps are:
- Pandora
- TuneIn Radio
- Slacker Radio
- iHeart Radio
- SHOUTcast Radio
To read more information about each app, tap once on the app's name or the app's icon to go to that specific app's page. From there you can read what the app has to offer you.

Step 4. Tap the "Free" button to install the app

If you found an app, tap "Free" to install the app.

You will be prompted to enter your Apple ID.
After logging in, the app will be downloaded automatically. You don't have to do anything for this yourself.
If it doesn't say "Free" next to the name of the app, but instead has a price, then you will have to pay for the app.

Step 5. Open the new app from your home screen